Pursuits Off the Resort Trail Cross-Country in Whistler By Gigi Ragland

Callaghan Backcountry Lodge at night with the Taboggan Trail lit for evening playtime. Callaghan Backcountry Lodge photo

ownhill skiing dominates the slopes at Whistler Resort in British Columbia. But that’s not a secret. Most outdoor enthusiasts know that Whistler is rated as one of the finest Dski resorts in the world. Proof of that fact is Vancouver’s winning bid to host the and Paralympic Games. What most folks don’t know, however, is the area also boasts a variety of venues for amazing cross-country skiing. Both the novice and advanced Nordic skier will be pleased to know that there are three great choices located within the Whistler area.

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www.OutdoorsNW.com Outdoors NW January/February 2009 7 Lost Lake X-C Trail System This public park transforms into a Nordic skier’s wonderland during the winter season. Just a short walk from Whistler Village, the park offers over 32 kilometers of groomed and track- set trails that wind near and around frozen Lost Lake with some vantage points overlooking Blackcomb Moun- tain. Trails cover Lost Lake Park and meander through Chateau Whistler and Nicklaus North golf courses. Dog owners will be pleased to know that a portion of the multi-use Valley Trail from Meadow Park to Rainbow Park is track-set for cross-country skiers with dogs. So taking Fido out for a little walk could turn into more of an adventurous outing. A backcountry skier takes time A warming hut is open from 8 a.m. for a view break while touring Callaghan Country. Callaghan to 9 p.m. daily, however, no food Backcountry Lodge photo services or snack bars are offered on the trail system. Skiers will need to pack their own munchies or plan to have a meal at one of the nearby restaurants located in the upper Callaghan rest and relaxation. In addition to the village. Backcountry Lodge skiing, tobogganing and snowshoeing, just about any snow activity is Favorite Feature Remote and pristine, Callaghan available for guests to enjoy. Lost Lake is close enough to walk to Country is one of the best-kept secrets Callaghan Valley is surrounded on and from Whistler Village; or take a of the British Columbia backcountry three sides by glaciated terrain in local bus. experience, until now. Drive 15 the heart of the Coastal snowbell, minutes along the Sea to Sky Highway guaranteeing abundant snowfall Author’s Recommendation (8 miles) from Whistler Village and and substantial snow pack. It’s Lost Lake Loop offers 4 kilometers avid cross-country skiers can kick and possible to enjoy the trails and lodge of lighted trails for from glide along 42 kilometers of groomed environment for a day- but for the 3-9 p.m. Pack some cocoa and cookies tracks through sub-alpine old growth full effect, book one of their multi-day and go for a moonlight ski. forests with stunning mountain views ski packages. Hours: 8 a.m.-8 p.m. Skiing is free in the Coastal Range. In addition to the Nordic and every Monday evening after 3 p.m. As the only commercial backcountry cross-country ski trails and touring, Tickets: Buy tickets at Lost Lake lodge to operate in the Coast Range there are alpine packages and Nicklaus North ticket booths and of British Columbia, Callaghan is available as well. Upon request, Meadow Park Sports Center. quite unique. The finely-crafted lodge instruction from the Association of 2008-2009 Season Prices: $17 is only accessible by snowmobile, Canadian Mountain Guides (ACMG) Adults/$10 Youth/$8.50 Kids/$34 snowcoach, ski-in, dogsled or can be arranged by the day or trip. Family. helicopter. Guests booking multi-day, Rentals: Use your own gear or rent overnight ski packages with the lodge Favorite Feature from The Cross Country Connection at are in for a treat. The pristine wilderness setting is a The Lost Lake Trailhead. Nordic , Delicious home-cooked meals are great refuge to escape from it all — at lessons and tours are offered. prepared with great skill from the least for a few days. The variety of If you go: Lost Lake Cross in-house chef and the cozy alcove terrain and endless views combined Country Ski Trails, www. guestrooms and nooks around the with the warm hospitality of the crosscountryconnection.ca. lodge offer wonderful snug areas for lodge staff makes it hard to leave this

8 January/February 2009 Outdoors NW paradise in the backcountry. Creek valley to the north. The trails, which can be Author’s Recommendation accessed from the brand Try tobogganing on the new 11,000 square foot curvy and fun hill that day lodge adjacent to the the staff artfully creates cross-country stadium, is each year. Sometimes they open to the public and light the path at night for sits between the ski jump a twilight evening full of and cross-country skiing thrills and spills. stadium. The lodge is the If you go: Callaghan place to start and end Skiers cruise by Backcountry Lodge, www. your day. You can buy trail the Whistler Olympic Ski Park callaghancountry.com. passes, rent equipment, that will be used sign up for lessons, buy for , gear and purchase food as and Whistler the at Olympic Park well as take advantage of the 2010 Winter the changing facilities and Olympics. Cross-country skiing is showers. After all this, relax Photo by Gigi Ragland the sport with the largest in its lounge after an action- number of events and packed day of Olympic- provides one of the largest caliber cross-country skiing. sources of medals at the Located in Callaghan Author’s Recommendation Longmont, Colo. She Olympic Winter Games. Valley and neighboring considers her Whistler Whistler Olympic Park is Combine a weekend the Callaghan Backcountry excursion one of the located just 20 kilometers of cross-country skiing at Lodge staging area, skiers best cross-country ski south of Whistler and will Callaghan Backcountry will truly enjoy the valley’s experiences ever. be the home site of the Lodge with a day at epic snow. cross-country, biathlon, Whistler Olympic Park. and ski The two are a perfect Favorite Feature jumping events for the combination and offer a Vancouver 2010 Olympic The trails are so well huge variety of terrain and Paralympic groomed it is a true and combination of cross- Winter Games. pleasure to reward yourself country skiing. Imagine yourself skiing with a day of cross-country If you go: Whistler When you demand the same cross-country trails skiing at this professional Olympic Park, www. as the 2010 Olympians. facility. The views of the ski whistlerolympicpark.com the best... The public ski trail system jump hill are fantastic as we’ve got the gear! opened for visitors last win- you gaze through the trees Gigi Ragland is a ter season with beginner, on various trails throughout freelance travel and food intermediate and advanced the system. journalist from trails. This winter, the Park • Full Service offers 50 kilometers for Nor- Cross Country Shop dic skiing. The trails are expertly • Cross Country groomed for both classic Ski Equipment, and skate skiing. For the Clothing, & Gear advanced Nordic skier there are 15 kilometers of Olym- SALES•RENTALS•SERVICE pic-caliber competition trails in the center, 10 kilometers OPEN DAILY of scenic training trails Downtown Winthrop 257 Riverside Ave in the south and over 25 509-996-2886 kilometers of recreational (easier) trails in the Madeley WWW.WINTHROPMOUNTAINSPORTS.COM www.OutdoorsNW.com Outdoors NW January/February 2009 9